The Count and Celebration in Pictures

D-day

One message today: GET OUT TO VOTE

Day 25 Wednesday 23rd

The day before the count is always the worst day of the campaign. The moratorium on Radio and television coverage gives people the impression that the campaign is over. Campaign workers unconsciously start to switch off because of it. The candidate worries about all of the things that should have been done and realises that even if he did them all today it probably wouldn't make a huge amount of difference to the outcome. So near and yet so far.

I generally try to focus on particular calls that need to be made or issues that need to be resolved. I spend some time preparing for the long day that tomorrow will be. The polls will be open for15 hours tomorrow and I will have to visit each one many times. After 25 days of a campaign it will be a hard slog. But having put so much in, I have no doubt that the team will finish the job by getting the vote out tomorrow.

Thank you to everybody who has helped along the way. My campaign team have been magnificent as ever. And we saw more new faces than ever before this campaign. There was more interest on the doorsteps than in any other election in 15 years. As ever nothing beats the face-to-face one-to-one contact on the doorstep in terms of winning the election.

I doubt I will have time to write anything tomorrow. Thank you for your attention over the last three weeks. Please get out to vote tomorrow.

Day 23:

It's an early start on Newstalk and I have a bit of a joust with an old adversary Ruairí Quinn. Then on again to discuss Michael Reade's favourite topic, Health with Damien English.

Back to Navan to meet the Chamber of Commerce to discuss our plans for the future of Navan and the county. It was an interesting discussion that ranged from the road to the rail to the hospital to Council planning etc.

Following that I turned the sod on a project that has been dear to my heart for nearly 30 years - the new sport and recreational centre in Trim. It's a fantastic facility that will mean a lot to the people of the town and surrounding areas.

Tonight saw over 100 activists in Navan completing a leaflet drop of the entire 11,000 houses in the town in just over 1 1/2 hours.

Just two days to go!!!!

Day 22: Monday 21 May

I visited the Rehab Group in Navan first thing this morning. I faced an hour and a half of questions on issues that affected the young people there.

A quick hop across to launch the local branch of Postbank - the new An Post banking facility. From there onto Kells Youthreach opening in the old scout hall. Community, council and the VEC all working together for positive outcomes for young people.

The rest of the day is spent canvassing in Navan with an even larger crew than normal. The enthusiasm is increasing rather than waning!!!!!

Days 19, 20, 21.....18th-20th May

Day 19 - Friday

The following day I had an early start as I headed for a meeting in HQ - the nerve centre of FF's campaign. I listened in disbelief to the media's verdict on the debate on 'what it says in the papers' on Morning Ireland. It was one thing to say that Enda Kenny wasn't given a knockout punch, it's quite another to be claiming a victory on the basis that he wasn't carried out of the ring. It was a clear points victory and it showed that Enda was no match for the Taoiseach and really hadn't a good grasp of his own manifesto.

Because I was travelling to a number of different events I noticed the media backtracking on their verdict from midday. From 2pm the transformation was complete. All the commentators, or most of them at least, had changed tack.
What brought about the change of heart?

Something fairly simple I believe - People Power-for the first time people saw the two main players in this election as they were, not through a media filter. People saw things through their own eyes not someone elses. They made their own judgements. When the media realised it was out on a limb backing Enda so strongly and they had to backtrack quickly.

The rest of the day was taken with official duties - the opening of the Bettystown Court Hotel and town centre and Port Oriel in Clogerhead. Both are significant investments that will benefit local communities.

Friday night we canvassed Kildalkey and visited the Third Age Foundation annual Mass.

Day 20 - 21 Saturday and Sunday

My day was totally disrupted, but my campaign team were out canvassing as ever. I watched them over the last fewweeks do what Fianna Fáil workers do best - roll up the sleeves and get out there and fight for hearts and minds. It's inspiring.

I had to go to HQ for preparation for a two hour Saturday View special on RTÉ on the likely results from all the constituencies. The outcome of that programme,with every possible marginal being called against us, left us with 65, FG with 47, Labour 21, and the Greens with 9. Having taken every possible seat off FF, the so-called alternative with the Greens tacked on, left the opposition short by seven seats. Hardly a stable base for government.

The opinion polls later that night showed that maybe people were beginnig to realise the same thing. People were starting to move towards FF.

Sunday:

Yesterday the Taoiseach gave a rousing speech to the party faithful in the 'Nerve Centre' in Treasury Buildings. He was very worked up and bullish about the election. I think the slanted coverage he got after winning the national debate stung him and showed him that the media aren't going to do us any favours to say the least. When he finished the cheer rose the roof.

And then I travelled to Croke Park for more cheering as I watched Meath beat off a Kildare team that didn't bring their shooting boots. It was great to see Darren Fay back to his best. He is playing out of his skin -scoring a goal at one end of the field and then sprinting back to his own end to block one on the line.

Word of the 5% swing in the Irish Times poll came to me during the evening, finishing a pretty good day. It's certainly a welcome indicator but is nothing more than that. The work still have to be done right up until 10.30pm on Thursday. The result is a great morale boost for tired canvassers and supporters as we face into the last four days of the campaign.

Day 19 - Thursday May 17

They say that young people are apathetic about politics. "They" should have been out in Kilmessan National School this morning. I faced a grilling from pupils. And what a range of questions:

• how much do you earn?


• What do you like about your job?


• If FF are a republican party, why won't you go into government with Sinn Fein?


• Where did FF get your posters printed?


• Do you know my Grandad Councillor Noel Leonard?


• What is your policy for young people?


• Why should Mammy and Daddy vote for you?


• What soccer team do you support and many more.

Move over Miriam.

It was a very interesting and demanding hour. congratulations to the pupils and their teacher Mr O'Donnell. It was part of an education process where Mr O'Donnell asked the pupils to vote for the politicians running in the election they'd most like to meet. Four were selected and I was honoured to be one of these. Seeing the bright-eyed in interest in politics is very encouraging.

I opened an estate agent's office in Enfield for Tom Fox. The Fox family are good friends of mine. Denise, Tom's daugther, is going to run the office. Tom is still confident that the property market will continue to show robust growth - depending on who's in charge of the country.

Back to the canvassing then which was interrupted by the launch of the Ladies and Gents' pitch'n'putt National matchplay championships at Stackallen Tennis & Pitch'n'Putt club. They're a great club - well organised and well respected in the Pitch'n'Putt world.

And then yet another official ceremony for another great club, Kiltale GAA gave me the honour of unveiling their floodlights and their new 'hurling wall'. This is the first such training facility in the county where our young players can hone their hurling skills. It's a great club, representative of the reestablishment of the GAA club at the centre of the community.

Back to Simonstown Gaels GAA club where our canvassers had gathered to watch the debate. There was little doubt in anybody's mind that Bertie had effectively pulled Enda and his contract apart. But then again we would say that wouldn't we! But even objectively I felt the Taoiseach had done enough to show that FG's proposals didn't stack up.

The funeral of the great Trim man, John Cusack today, puts the the stresses and strains of election and politics into perspective. There was a huge turnout as people from all over the country to Trim to pay tribute to this man who has contributed so much to this town. He will be sorely missed. I offer my sincerest condolences to Marie, Aoife, Katie, Johnny and Denise.

Day 18

One day runs into another. From the historic and monumental to the day to day slog of the canvass.
The day begins with the lastest LMFM radio debate featuring candidates from Meath West and Meath East. Regina Doherty, Mark Deery, Graham Geraghty and were asked on to debate the environment. (http://www.loosetalkmichael.com/election_debates). Well it was supposed to be about the environment! Health is the big issue in both Meath West and Meath East. It's a particular favourite of Michael Reade's also.

We spend the majority of the show outlining our positions on Navan hospital. Mine is simple. The HSE has committed to 'no change to services will proceed without them being replaced by a service that is better than it was". I will fight to ensure that they honour this commitment to the letter.

The debate about hospitals is an important one. And it is always an emotional topic. My message is simple: I will support whatever gives top quality healthcare to the people of Meath. I will go to the wire on this one. A new regional hospital will provide the type of healthcare Meath people deserve. Until we have that hospital in or around Navan we must ensure that the HSE honours its commitment to change no services without a better service in place.


The debate is interesting. It's started by Michael who reads a text message from Sean in Ballivor who implores us politicians to be mannerly and allow each other to finish our points. This sets the tone for a good debate where the listener can actually hear what the politicians have to say.


More canvassing - we're drenched all evening!

Day 17

It's becoming a cliche but today was another historic occasion. Bertie Ahern, became the first Taoiseach to address the Houses of Parliament in Westminister. This is an incredible end to what was a sometimes violent and turbulent period in Irish history that stretches over the past 800 years.

There was a time when the Taoiseach being warmly applauded by MPs was inconceivable.

I was fourteen when the so-called 'troubles' started. I still have an old scrap book containing pictures from the start of this last difficult chapter in our relationship with our nearest neighbour.

The picture of the blazing bus in Newry that appeared in the Irish Press is indelibly etched in my mind. Those violent events awakened my interest in politics and history. They made me want to change thing and make a difference. I knew that peace would only arise political engagement and talking.

What a privilege to have seen the process to this happy day. Despite all the doubters, all those who disbelieved, and indeed those who tried to prevent it a number of determined and focused people made it happen.

If ever anyone wanted proof that politics and politicians can make a difference today is it.

I don't know if it was the events earlier in the day, or the fact that polls aren't reflecting what we're getting on the door, but what a turn out for the canvass tonight! Spirits were high. It's a wonder to me to hear the dichotomy between the media coverage of Fianna Fáil's campaign and what the people are saying at the door. We, of course, are getting issues on the door but most people will recognise that the last ten years have been good, and that FF are the party that can deliver the next phase of Ireland's development.

Day 16

The day started with preparation for the morning press conference to focus on what should be the real question of the campaign - how does so-called alternative plan to account for the €5.8 billion they have promised over the last two weeks even tough their official manifestos are costed for €2.7 billion.

Brian Cowen, Seamus Brennan and myself got the job of fronting the press conference. Brian was in such flying form that Seamus and I had pretty much nothing to do. He gets very passionate about the sorts of irresponsible and uncosted promises the Opposition have been making.

The message was simple - Fianna Fáil has put forward a carefully costed programme which has been in the public domain for four weeks and has not been challenged. He in turn challenged the media to ask the hard questions about the alternative's manifesto.

Labour and Fine Gael have put forward a programme costing €2.8 billion of joint promises. Since the beginning of the campaign Fine Gael have put forward a programme promising a further €1.9 billion. Labour also have put forward a campaign costing €1.7 billion. This simply means that FG and Lab have already burst their framework for the budget. Hardly sound economic management.
FG and Lab now have to tell us how they intend to pay for the extra promises. will it be by increasing the deficit and debt or by breaking their promises. If so which ones?

If FG/Lab want to portray themselves as responsible and competent, as a suitable alternative to a Government who has created the period of greatest economic growth in Ireland's history, then the media must give them the same level of scrutiny. It would be irresponsible to allow an opposition get into power on a campaign based on change for the sake of change without assessing their economic competence!

FG is promising 2,300 extra beds. Enda Kenny said at his first and only press conference he couldn't deliver on and have only allowed for 500 in their plan.

They promise 2000 extra Gardaí - but on closer scrutiny, 1,000 are not provided for.

Maybe there will be equal scrutiny and questioning over the next ten days to ensure the public has all the information needed to make informed decisions in the election.

The rest of the day was spent finalising the details of the last ten days, singing off on literature , canvass and our Get Out to Vote campaign.

After yet another Today FM discussion on Broadband (Matt Cooper says his listeners love it - it's the age profile of his audience.) Then back to Navan for a canvass.

During the day Sinn Féin launched a maliciously 'leaked' draft HSE document purporting to show a 'cutback' of €5million in hospital services in the North East. Perhaps when they actually read the document they will realise that what the document shows is a net increase of €8 million in expenditure and a substantial increase in staff and improvements to services. The truth is that FF is, and always has been committed to the provision of world class services to the people of Meath and have invested heavily in the hospital. There will be more to follow on this issue in the coming days you can be certain.

Day 15

Two weeks to go today - time flies.

We then had a photocall with my colleague Brendan Smith for a jobs announcement in the county.

Then on to all the fun of the fair in Dunderry. The small village was thronged for the very popular agricultural fair.

The Meath football team shape up well against the men of Armagh in a senior football friendly in Senchelstown's fine pitch.

Day 14

One of the most unusual events of the campaign occured today. A breakfast 'meet and greet' organised for the candidates by Dunderry Juvenile Hurling and Football Club. People pay for €15 for the 'privilege' of meeting candidates. Six of the candidates turned up. It's great fun and the club makes a few bob for their good work.

A full day's canvass in the Ballivor area and then onto Navan.

Then to the official opening of the gym and sports medical centre in Simonstown. This is another significant advance for the great club which is the centre of the North Navan community. This was achieved through a huge local effort.

Then I travelled to the new Solstice Arts Centre to catch the end of one of my favourite annual events in Navan - the Choral Festival Bord na Mona Choir of the Year. The finale of this year's festival was 'brilliant' according to everyone present.

Day 13 - Myself & Rev. Ian Paisley

Halfway there!

Today history was made again on the banks of the Boyne.

Handshakes and peace at the site of the battle of the Boyne 317 years on

It was a great privilege be present at one of the most historic and symbolic events in Ireland's modern history when Rev Ian Paisley, his wife, Baroness Eileen, his son, Ian Jnr, Jeffery Donaldson and Arlene Fowler arrived on the 'green grassy slopes of the Boyne' on Friday.

He came in peace in response to an invitation from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

It was a special day for me - not just because the historic occasion took place in my home county but also because the initial moves to put an interpretative centre on the site were made when I was Minister of State at the OPW and David Andrews was Foreign Affairs in 1994.

David was deeply involved in the peace talks and felt that some gesture on the Battle of The Boyne site would be helpful.

We set up an interdepartmental Committee when when we came back into government in 1997 and the rest is now history as they say.

Back to today's event. What an occasion. Everyone in great form. Not talk of differences - and that was just between ourselves and the PDs.

'Big Ian' was in great form. Very affable and friendly. He was clearly deeply impressed with the occasion, the honouring of the commitment and the warmth of the welcome he received.

When the official part of the function was over he was 'mobbed' by well wishers looking for autographs and wishing him well.

In the middle of all the commotion Niall McCaffery took it all in .... I think even she was impressed.

Watch some of the speeches: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JxvnDZ0gRI

Day 12

The big action today had nothing at all to do with the election campaign. It was the important next step in the provision of a theatre in Trim.

This is a dream shared by many groups and individuals in Trim for many years now.

This story illustrates for everyone the importance of persistence, diplomacy, tact and having people with some influence working for your cause.

Former St Patrick's National School, High St

The story started some years ago with the sale of the Town Hall and the furore that it caused. No one wanted to see it go until a suitable replacement was secured.

A committee was formed to raised funds and to lobby for the theatre. The new Sports, Social & Leisure facility would not be suitable - a home was required by the Musical Society, Duchas, Drama and the Scurloughstown Olympiad groups.

At the signing of the sale of the St Patrick's National School, High St Trim

Quietly in the background talks took place with the Town Council, County Council, developers & the groups mentioned above. I was involved in many of these but the one person who worked hardest on this personally, as a councillor, and on my behalf was Jimmy Fegan.
He enlisted and got good support at appropriate times from his councillor colleagues in the area.

A commitment was secured some years ago from developers which would facilitate the provision of a site or a contribution to a building. The site most talked about was the Swimming Pool site. Some time ago, as d-day approached for final approval for the Sport, Social & Leisure Centre it became clear that the Swimming Pool site would be needed for the funding package for that centre.

The site at St. Patrick's Church of Ireland school seen as a possible alternative location , some time ago came back into the picture.

More talks, more consultations with Tom Dowling, Kevin Stewart and others to confirm the Council's commitment to the theatre before agreement was given to the Swimming Pool site sale.

And yesterday, the auction of the old school which saw the Council purchase the building and site to bring the dream of the theatre that step closer.

Well done to all concerned and many thanks to all involved.

Day 11

Appropriately enough the annual Arbour Hill Easter Rising Commemoration took place today. I met Michael McDowell for the first time since last week's excitement - he was in great form.

After the ceremony the Taoiseach, myself and Micheal had a brief chat about the campaign. "I'll love you and leave you", says Michael as we finish up. There's a moment's silence. A pause. And then a big laugh from everyone. Laughing, he clarifies he was 'only talking about leaving us here now...."

After the commemoration I take part in RTÉ's first ever web debate with Bernard Durkan, Tommy Broughan and Eamon Ryan. www.rte.ie/news/elections2007/debate/ We faced over 250 questions in an hour long webcast. I'm told there were over 8,500 hits in that hour. I felt it was a very civilised debate...

Following on from one new technology to another I launched Last Mile's Wimax Rural Broadband. This company aims to ensure no digital divide occurs by providing broadband through Wifi in rural areas where other providers have deemed it not economically viable. Providing broadband to rural areas is vital from a regional development point of view. It's good to see an Irish company, established only five years ago making progress in this area.

What a turnout for the evening canvass. About 30 canvassers turned out. And we tackled the every expanding town of Enfield. The progress in the last five years is incredible in this area. It took about 7 teams to canvass one estate alone. The response on the doorsteps was good with most people recognising that a lot had been achieved and of course there was more to do. When you face a population explosion you must prioritise, meaning some facilities and infrastructure develop at a slower paces. But most people recognise that having a Minister in your constituency helps.

I had to leave the canvass for a short while to pay tribute to the 'practical patriots' involved in Anti-litter league Pride of Place and Tidy Towns at the Anti-Litter League Winners' presentation in Navan. Congratulations to all, including Dunderry who were overall winners.
Then I rushed back to Enfield for the ubiquitous tea and sandwiches in Flahertys to compare war stories.

Day 10 - An Historic Day

The election was dwarfed today by the historic events in the North. This is Day 1 of a new era in Ireland. It is Day 1 in the new relationship between North and South, Britain and Ireland, Catholic and Protestant.

Finally it is Day 1 in a new relationship between Northern Ireland and the rest of the world.

Congratulations to all concerned for their courage, patience and determination to achieve peace. Thousands of people have helped achieve this peace, some in imperceptible ways behind the scenes, some in a ways that will never be recorded in the history books. Most importantly those, like Gordon Wilson, father of the Enniskillen bomb victim, Marie Wilson, who advocated forgiveness and tolerance even in the face of great tragedy, have been vindicated. After that terrible event he said that 'he bore no grudge, no ill will, and that there was a 'plan'.

The tragedy of this conflict is ingrained in minds of our people and I hope that the peace that has been achieved is protected and valued.

Congratulations especially to Bertie Ahern and Prime Minster Blair. In the last ten years both men have placed the North at the centre of their agendas. Many times their resolve was called into question and they held their nerve.

I had the honour of working closely with Albert Reynolds as his Chief Whip when he started the process leading to the 'Downing Street Declaration' and ceasefire. Knowing Albert he will be quietly pleased to see the work he started completely successfully.

I am proud of the central role that Fianna Fáil has played in bring this about. Everything else pales into insignificance on such a day but the campaign goes on....

Journalists were interested in the issue of jobs which was central to our Press conference today. We were questioned on various aspects of our economic policies especially related to jobs and research. These questions are arising from concerns about the Irish economy's ability to travel up what they're calling the value chain. In other words Ireland needs to create more high-end jobs because of other economies' ability to undercut us in traditional industries. Fianna Fáil's record at creating jobs is impeccable - we have for the first time in the history of the State near full employment. FF is invested billions in the high-end jobs in science and technology that Ireland requires to compete in the globalised world.

On the day the inevitable question about going into Government with Sinn Féin was raised. The answer was a resounding 'no'.

Canvassing in Navan was interrupted by the launch of two great initiative from Meath County Council - the Mill Project and Meath Education & Training Database. The MILL project (http://www.workinmeath.ie/) is a lifelong learning project which aims to bring 3rd level opportunities to Meath people through business management courses organised through Maynooth College and Dundalk IT. The database gives details of all the courses and training available in Meath.

More canvassing immediately after these launches. It was cut short to by a heavy downpour.....the difference the weather can make to an election campaign.

Day 9

There's always a debate about whether it's a good idea to canvass on Bank Holiday Mondays or indeed Sundays. With only two and a half weeks left in the campaign the debate was short-lived this time. Every hour is vital - so a full afternoon and evening canvass is organised.

At the end of a six hour canvass we check the percentage of 'call backs' ie people who were out. It's no more or less than the average. I'm struck by the number of houses not on the register and the number of people away.

However, all in all it's a worthwhile exercise. People are engaging more and more. They've come to terms with the people knocking on their doors and are resigned to the fact that they can't ignore the election anymore - a bit like we all take a while to come to terms with Christmas as it approaches!

Today the Taoiseach's personal finance issues was raised about half a dozen times. Once by a lady with a large Green Party poster on her garage door! The other times people were expressing their distrust of what they saw as an attempt to hound Bertie. Interestingly, a number of FF stalwarts said they wouldn't vote for FF if they went into Government with the PDs after the events of the last few days.

Later in the evening, I did an interview with local community TV Province 5. I'm grilled on the election across a number of local issues by John O'Donoghue who could get a job on Morning Ireland yet.

A review of the week with Party workers and family members showed us making good progress on the canvass and a good response - plans were made for the coming weeks.

Day 8

I try to catch a bit of breather today. I get out and about for a while to canvas but I get sucked into a lot of office work, organising canvasses, briefing canvassers, dealing with some of the hundreds of queries we've got on the doorsteps from voters. These must all be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

I had some time to go to the 'Norman Pratt Vintage Car Run' in Ballivor where I chatted with an old school pal, Frank Pratt. It was good to see him again and he wished me well in the campaign. Some of the vintage cars were magnificent. This run was followed closely by a parade of American Trucks that caused a tremendous amount of noise in the small village.

The pace of canvassing is increasing and we aim to have the towns of Trim and Navan done soon. Then we move out to the country areas.

Day 7

Saturday is normally a clinic day but not today - in an election everyday is a 24 hour clinic. To Dublin to launch our environmentally friendly energy policy this morning. The Green party have been benefiting from the surge in environmental issues, particularly in the last five years. As Minister for Environment I was at the initial Kyoto meetings and FF have always been the party to manage the environment in a sustainable way. We're focusing heavily on make renewable energy commercially viable and have put in place a target of 20% of Irish energy to come from renewables.

The HQ in Treasury Building is buzzing as usual when I arrive. It's hard to believe it's a Bank Holiday Saturday. The place is manic. Election fever has descended. People are either zipping around at hyperspeed or standing transfixed in front of a television watch the drama surrounding the Taoiseach unfold.

The launch is a low profile photoshoot with a few journalists present. My good friend, MJ Nolan, (one of the Gang of Four) is in attendance - he has a particular interest in this area from an environmental point of view and from the fact that Moorepark Research Centre (Teagasc) in Carlow is involved in research in the whole area of biofuels.

A quick bite to eat and out to RTÉ to do this week's Rodney Rice programme. Fergus O'Dowd, Colm O'Gorman, Patricia McKenna and Gene McKenna for a lively discussion. It felt like when Meath won the All-Ireland in 96 - 31 counties against one, but I love the cut and thrust of the panel discussion.

I went from RTE to the Red Cow Moran's Hotel to address the annual conference of the Irish Postmasters Union. During the past two and a half years I have had very many 'encounters' with the IPU on a variety of issues. We didn't always agree on issues but we had a very frank and honest debate on them. Mutual respect has blossomed.

I got a standing ovation from the conference following my speech and good wishes for the election campaign. Home then to continue the campaign. Tonight and tomorrow will be used largely to follow up on a lot of paperwork at the end of a very busy week.

Day 6: Openings and launches

Today was a hectic affair. The campaign is really heating up.

The day started with an interview with Midlands Radio 103 to discuss the election. During the election getting on the airwaves is most important to get our message out there.

After a robust discussion it was back to Trim to open the launch of the Church of Ireland primary school. I've been associated with this project since I visited the school five years ago. At that time, the school was being run in the church as it has been for the previous 98 years. A curtain was used to separate two classes.

I recommended that they seek funding from the Department of Education and Science which they received. This relatively small community within Trim then raised €400,000 from local fundraising. This fine new school is testament to what a community can achieve.

We had a surprise visit from the Taoiseach who arrived in Trim early. He was very impressed by the new school and praised members of the community. Then he went for a quick walkabout down Market St in Trim where he was mobbed by enthusiastic supporters and well-wishers.

After that I met with my Meath Fianna Fáil running mates - Johnny Brady, Thomas Byrne and Mary Wallace where we handed in our papers. This made official our running for the election.

Next to Navan to launch a report into the RAPID areas. These socially disadvantaged areas in towns have received huge levels of funding in the lifetime of this government. The report I launched stated that these areas have benefited hugely in terms of employment. However there are still pockets of people in areas that require targeted funding. This report will identify these areas and ensure that funding is targeted at those where it can make the biggest difference.

Speaking of making difference, I then launched the Aisling International website. I was asked by Marie Byrne to attend. She and her staff have made a huge difference in the lives of young people who have become involved with drugs. She believes, and I agree with her, that more information, like this website provides, is vital for addressing the issue.

Next I was escorted by two centurions at the opening of Cohort Recruitment and Training in Scurlockstown Business Park in Trim. This company is run by two young men from Meath, Andrew Reilly and James Gibbons who donned centurion costumes for the opening. They source labour from all around the world to fill skills gaps in the horticulture and construction sector. It's amazing to think that we are now importing workers into Ireland, whereas only twenty years ago our young people had to leave our countries to look for work. Andrew and James and their partners Darlene and Lisa have put a huge amount of work into this business and it's paid off. They personify the new-found confidence in young Irish people.

Then I travelled to Navan to canvass the electorate. This is real canvassing weather, and it's a pleasure to get out meeting people on the doorsteps. The response is very positive so far with the electorate focusing on key issues around some of the things FF are addressing. I wish the media could try to do the same.

Finally home for a meeting with the canvassing team to discuss the issues of the day and plan for tomorrow.

Day 5

What a day!

An early start as usual. Good news for a local company. Dromone Engineering signed an M.O.U. with Chinese Partners to bring Meath technology to China. They invited me to witness the ceremony. An enterprising company in the heart of rural Meath leading the way in China. The new Ireland is a great place.

Then on to LM/FM for the election debate from Meath West. I had been told Joey Reilly and Brian Collins were the other guests but Damien English replaced Joey - a new coalition?

The debate was lively and covered a range of issues. Plenty of cut and thrust, some ball hopping from Michael Reid (as usual!) but hopefully it was informative at this early stage of the campaign.

Then on to the Mansion House - the real start to the real campaign. Great crowd turned out - and that was just the media.

The media have given their version of the conference. They have decided that Fianna Fail looked "nervous". The Taoiseach was "tense" - all because he had to answer questions. At the risk of being accused of bias - a lot of that comment is nonsense.

The Taoiseach may have been nervous - anyone who has played a sport, debated, had to make a speech knows that there is a nervous tension that builds up just prior to the event. If you haven't the "butterflies" you don't perform well.

Following the launch, a quick dash to Kildare St. for a live link up with RTE TV for a 3 way debate on environmental issues with Eamon Ryan and Fergus O'Dowd. After answering the initial question the sound broke down and the debate went out the window. Fifteen minutes later I went live again for the programme.

"Prime Time" was supposed to be about the election manifestos launched to-day but of course the media want to talk about the Taoiseach's private finances. They have made a judgement that the public are only interested in a fabricated scandal. That's their professional judgement - but I believe that the public are interested in policies and how this country will progress. Because the Taoiseach is considered one of Fianna Fail's greatest

Despite elections Ministerial business goes on with meetings in the Department and the official opening of a major conference organised for the Irish Property Fund Managers by the Ulster Bank Group, on the energy market in Ireland.

Tomorrow will be a day for travelling the constituency. The Taoiseach will do a walkabout in towns around the country. It's a fine tradition of Irish politics, that always rallys the troops.

Day 4

In Dublin today we had probably our last cabinet meeting with a packed agenda. Whilst I'm no longer a TD, I still have Ministerial responsibilities - the country can't grind to a halt just b because of an election. During the election period I'm supposed to be technically unemployed!!! The mood around the cabinet table was positive with many of my colleagues reporting positive responses on the doorsteps. That's good but it worries me if you don't get the odd telling off on the doorstep. I remember in '92 we got a very positive response on the doorstep and when it came to polling day we got a bit of a drubbing!!!!

I've instructed canvassers to listen carefully to each query, complaint or tirade. It's important that we get a clear picture what's going on with the electorate. I also asked them to remind people that all parties have identified the issues to be dealt with but that Fianna Fáil is the only party that has the track record, experience and ability to deliver those changes. That's what this election is about - who can deliver for the Irish people - not change for the sake of change.

I was one of the three Ministers at a press launch today for Fianna Fail's manifesto on tax. Fianna Fail's tax plans will mean that 97% of earners gain more than any other parties'. This measure is aimed primarily at the lower and middle income earners. For example a single earner on the average wage will earn of €1,000 over the lifetime of the next government.

This is an example of the kind of practical measure that FF has a long history of delivering. We are and have always been focussed on working with the Irish people to facilitate them in furthering themselves.

Day 3:

Too busy to give a comprehensive account of the day today. The highlight of the day was Minister O'Cuiv's annoucement of more jobs for Rathcairn with the siting of Glor na nGael there.

The rest of the day was spent canvassing Navan. At the doorstep the response is positive. Most people are very supportive of the Taoiseach. The people don't go for that type of thing in Irish politics thankfully. Whoever is behind these leaks will find it come back to haunt them I've no doubt.

Day 2: And we're off!

Today the campaign really kicked off. The day began early as usual, around 6.30 to organise everything for the canvass.

The trick with canvassing is to be systematic. Technology has improved over the last few campaigns. We're practically able to identify houses on a likelihood of voting basis, an issues basis, or in some cases on a party affiliation basis. This saves a lot of time when it comes to the last few panicked days of the campaign.

Next I was traveling back to Meath for a canvass of Navan and some areas in South Meath. We had an impressive 50 canvassers in the Navan area. It's great for morale to see so many activists out and about. Generally, it takes a day or two to warm up to the task - but then the banter begins and stories stretching back to '77 start flying.

Seeing the traffic on the road back to Navan brought home to me, as it does everyday as I commute to Dublin, that Meath needs the rail and the road. Sometimes the pace of infrastructure projects is as slow as the traffic we sit in.

I started proceedings for the M3 and the rail to Navan around ‘97. I'm glad to see there is progress, and I don't believe that anyone could have brought it quicker. I've worked with colleagues Seamus Brennan and Martin Cullen to force these vital pieces of infrastructure through. In 2009 a park and ride facility will open in Pace linking more Meath people with the railine and reducing commuter times.

I was at the sod turning on the M3 yesterday which was welcomed by the commuters and business people of Meath in general.

Funnily enough today an archaeological discovery was made. As promised work that might disturb the area ceased and archaeologists were given space and time to work. They will then make a judgment about the significance of the find.

I hope that this discovery is not hijacked and used as a method of trying to stop the road. This will be the largest piece of road infrastructure in the history of the state and I can tell you from what I'm hearing on the doorsteps - people need and want the M3. Meath will benefit in terms of attracting more business. Meath people will benefit from the reduced commute, giving them back some hours spent stuck in traffic everyday. Most importantly lives will be saved because of the increased safety of the road. I hope we can find a way to maintain progress and enhance people's quality of life by building this road whilst recognising the importance of our past.

So the day ended up at about 1am when I finished recording the last query we'd received from the canvasses early on.

Day 1 - Campaign is launched

Despite all the speculation Bertie surprised everyone and went to the Park early this morning. The 29th Dáil is dissolved and the election is now on.

Despite all the preparations over the months, the 'butterflies in the stomach' syndrome still hits as I worry if we are really ready. The way I see it is that you can never prepare enough for an election, there'll always be something that gets forgotten. You just hope you've got enough done.

I am in Dublin to launch the new 'Postbank' - An Post and Fortis (a Belgian bank) have come together to provide banking services to the Irish people. This move represents, some feel, the future of the post office in Ireland.

Next: my favourite pasttime - watching Meath win, something I hope to be doing more off in the Summer months. Meath beat Roscommon comprehensively in the Division 2 final in Breffini Park. Hopeful sign that we might be coming back to our glory days of the eighties and nineties.

When I arrive home I met with key workers to finalise details of the campaign.

Will he? Won’t he? Is it the 17th, the 24th, the 31st?

For me, it doesn’t really matter. It's going to happen. Probably before the end of May so there’s no point in speculating precisely when.

Just continue the preparation. Make sure the posters are ready, the leaflets are finalised and most importantly our people are ready.

Our people – the canvassers, the leaflet droppers, the posterers, office workers, tea makers, etc are a remarkable crew of men and women, young and not so young. They devote hours, days and, even, weeks to get their candidate elected.

They are remarkable because of the time commitment and passion they show at elections and indeed between elections.

They are real modern-day patriots.

They are remarkable because of the time commitment and passion they show at elections and indeed between elections.

Real patriots.

That’s why we always start our campaigns with a “get together” of workers and supporters.

Nearly 200 people turned up in Navan a few weeks ago and 120 came to the Trim Castle Hotel on Monday night last to hear the details of the campaign.

The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. Everybody was impatient to get started and get moving.

We discussed the tactics for the campaign, outlined the plans, discussed the issues.
The meeting was lively and the after meeting discussion was just as lively.

We are on the road....